The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) has unveiled an initiative to reinvigorate Queens' cultural landscape for its youngest inhabitants. Among the organizations that will benefit from the initiative (including the Poppenhusen Institute, Flushing Town Hall, Museum of the Moving Image, New York Hall of Science, Queens Botanical Garden, Queens Theatre, UnionDocs, and Edge School of the Arts Dance Legacy) the Queens Museum took center stage. The museum was granted a generous $8.5 million to institute a 15,000-square-foot children's museum dedicated to art and culture. This transformative expansion venture, now fully funded, is set to leave an indelible mark on the borough's cultural heritage.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed his enthusiasm for this investment. "By investing in art and culture, we’re investing in our communities," said Mayor Adams at DCLA’s official announcement event. “And with this additional funding of $8.5 million, we’re ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to enriching experiences at state-of-the-art facilities that celebrate the incredible diversity of our city. Queens Museum’s new children’s space will help our youngest residents tap into their creativity and connect with the vibrant cultures around them. We’re proud to continue our support of cultural capital projects throughout Queens and the five boroughs.”
The Queens Museum, already a community hub for social and cultural engagement, is poised to become an even more remarkable asset to the borough.
The value of community cultural institutions cannot be overstated: an overwhelming 97% of Americans recognize the invaluable educational role that museums play within their communities.
Spanning 15,000 square feet, the children's museum will feature dedicated spaces on both the first and second floors, specifically designed for classrooms and workshops. The $8.5 million in new City support, spearheaded by a $4 million contribution from Mayor Adams, an additional $3 million from Queens Borough President Richards, and $1.5 million from the City Council, signifies a collective investment in the cultural heartbeat of Queens. This financial commitment propels the total City investment in this phase of the Museum's expansion project to nearly $40 million, solidifying its status as a beacon of creativity and culture in the heart of the borough.
This year's budget marks a historic milestone, with over $222 million allocated to cultural capital projects citywide. Mayor Adams, the City Council, and the five borough presidents have demonstrated their unwavering support for new constructions, renovations, and equipment purchases. This investment ensures that New York City will continue to be home to world-class cultural facilities accessible to all.
